9 BIG Methods to Pump Up Your Blog Comments
November 20, 2007 - Written by Gyutae Park
I keep coming back to the idea that image is everything in the online world and I’m going to revisit this concept again in today’s post – how to pump up your blog comments. If you have a relatively new blog, your main objective is to attract new readers and gain a steady stream of subscribers and visitors. First and foremost, you’re going to have to portray the right image. A lot of people scoff at new blogs and don’t give them a fighting chance, simply because they are new and unproven. How do you combat this? One way is to pump up your blog comments. New visitors on your site will see the large blog comment counts and be encouraged to join in on the discussion themselves. It really works so make sure you try all of the methods below. Blog comments, we are going to PUMP you up. Are you ready?
- Controversial or unique blog posts
Don’t overdo it but writing posts that are controversial and stir up debate is a great way to encourage visitors to comment and voice their opinions on your blog. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain if you can back it up with some solid facts, evidence, and logic. - Ask questions in your posts
This seems like a simple idea but it works wonders. Asking questions gets readers to think and in most cases they will reply with some answers. How have you used questions in your blog posts to spur on discussion? - Comment on other blogs
It’s a give and take world, people. You give a little and you take a little. Find related blogs in your industry, read some of their posts, and write insightful and meaningful comments that add value. “Me too” comments are useless and do absolutely nothing so try to stay away from those. Commenting on other blogs is a great networking method and people will return the favor on your own blog. - Link to your blog post on other blogs and forums and ask for feedback
Comment on other blogs or post on forums with your link and explain why your post is important or beneficial. Then ask what they think about the post. In many cases, people will click through to your blog and give you honest feedback through comments. - Top commentators plugin
The top commentators plugin for Wordpress displays the top commentators on your blog and links back to their sites. This provides link value for commenting so many people are willing to comment on blogs for this benefit alone. - Comment exchanges
Engage in comment exchanges with other people in your industry who may be interested. By working out such an arrangement, both parties benefit. The comments still need to be of high quality however. - Comment contests
People love contests and winning free stuff so make sure you use this to your advantage. Offer some great prizes and make commenting a big part of winning a contest. People may participate just because they want to win, but that doesn’t mean they won’t come back for more once it’s over. - Fake comments
I wouldn’t really recommend this tactic because it is deceiving and you may eventually be found out. If you’re desperate however, fake comments are a great way to portray that your blog is active and alive. - Calls to action
Sometimes if you want something, all you have to do is ask or guide your readers to a specific action. Ask people to comment on your blog, tell them, or command them – whatever style your prefer. I’d like to think that people are generally good and will help you out if you are interesting and helpful.
So there you have it. 9 techniques to PUMP up your blog comments and jump start your blog. Which of these techniques do you use most? Let me know what you think by commenting on this post!
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Great post. I have found controversial posts to be my best source of comments!
Thomas,
Thanks for the comment. You’re right, I really enjoyed your controversial post you wrote here: http://www.thomassinfield.com/blogging/5-reasons-why-you-will-fail-at- blogging It got you a lot of comments too. Nice job.
You’ve laid out some good ideas. Thanks for sharing.
I totally agree. Comments are the lifelines of blogs. I remember I boasted over 300 comments in one month on my first blog.. CashforComments.com My tactic.. I was giving free reviews for 5 comments. I mean I was busy giving over 30 reviews a month.. Yet it was really active. But being a Newbie I gain recognition fast.
fyi. you are on the Blogger Rookie of the year. you might want to blog about it to gain more votes. Cheers.
You forgot a big one. Get rid of nofollow tags, or give them an aging delay before they become full strength links. Several blogs have started to do this, and I try to comment on them more then nofollow blogs
@prija
That’s a great idea. I actually have a blog audit contest here on Winning the Web but I may change it so people can win if they fulfill a commenting/linking quota rather than doing a random drawing. As for the rookie of the year, is your last movie spot going to go to the winner of that?
@Web Design in Canada
That’s a good idea too but much more susceptible to abuse. The last thing I want to do is manage all of the comments that come in and delete spam, especially as my blogs continue to grow.
I often comment on other blogs. Not for the link, but to provide my thoughts. I find this is also a great way to network with other bloggers that may not have seen my blog yet.
Michael
@Gyutae Park
Thats why you have the 3 – 4 month delay. Still gives a time for moderation before any link juice is passed
Here is another great tip to add:
Use “CommentLuv” plugin that pulls latest post of the commentor and adds headline with full SEO link under his post.
Did wonders to my blog
Alex
Hey,
Just found your blog from a post on DPoint. I totally agree with the give & take thing.
Although it’s time consuming, I’m having a blast reading posts and leaving the odd comment here or there.
The added benefit of commenting is that you get to read a lot of interesting stuff.
Cheers,
brian
@Alex
I’ve never heard of that plugin before. Is it the same as Recent Comments except that it links to the commentator’s site?
@Brian
Thanks for stopping by and reading the blog. I’ve also had a blast visiting blogs, commenting, and making connections. Good luck!
Good tips you gave. I happen to like to go blog hopping on my own. Interesting the friends you can pick up. So without thinking I have been going around and picked up some comments in return. I always return a comment after a visit from somebody. I agree that the “nice blog, visit my blog at ” does not seem worth a visit, but I have found some good blogs and contacts there too.
I do not like the last tip you added. I will see it as a warning, even if it never entered my mind to be dishonest (so unnecessary)I will keep in mind that the blog with a long list of comments might not be genuine.
@eurica
Thanks for the feedback. Obviously fake comments are deceiving and are not the best case scenario. If your reputation is important to you, then it’s definitely something to stay away from. I’ve personally never done anything like that but I wanted to include it on the list because I know that some people do it and it works for them.
i newer in blogig and this post help to improve myself thanks. it is great post to me
Thanks for the info. I am new in blogging and are searching method to pump up my blog comments. Thanks again!
I think I saw somewhere that someone is hiring out an ‘army of commentors’, things look like they might be heating up on that front – pay per comment anyone?
Controvery is what one of my blogs are all about. It definitely brings in a lot of debate/comments. I usually get people to comment by asking questions. It works like a charm.
I don’t really like to comment on other blogs unless they’re big ones and have the “Top Commentators” MOD installed. Otherwise, what’s the use?
thanks for the suggestions! I think all of these are great! I’ll try them (except the fake comments one lol)
Hi! I can’t post messagte here…
google
I think I’m going to offer a John Chow review to get some comments.
It’s working out brilliantly for you.
thanks for the “Top Commentator” plugin. I just downloaded and am going to use it on my blog. Not so sure commenting on other blogs can increase your comments. I’m just gonna have to try and find out.
Exciting website. Thank you.
Top earring links!
Well, this Top Commentator Widget really worked for me. But more than that, the DoFollow announcement started pouring the comments in.
Nice post! All points are really good and useful, except no. 8&9 sound so desperate
…Anyway, I always interested to comment on unique posting. So, I think the true comments are mostly depend on the post quality.
I agree that content is always first. If you don’t have anything worth responding to, then no promotional activity will help to get comments.
Soldiers for christ clothing
Love the top commentator widget.
You could also award the top commentator every month with a shout out in a post.
I’m especially fond of #5, thanks for pointing it out!
I agree with Eurica above; I too love to go blog hopping on my own. It makes me feel like being on a road trip traveling back blog roads and see what is at the next link turn. I often realize that without a map though that I end up somewhere lost in reading someones blog and I have no idea how I got there and how to get back to that work I was supposed to do. But, oh what interesting people you meet along the way to say nothing of the things you learn as well. Thanks for the tips for pumping up your own blog comments; mine could definitely use some pumping up.
That basically covers all ways to increase comment count.
You can add paid comment services. lol
Now I agree that contest work very well to pump up comment…I see it in your blog. Amazing!
I also like to use Comment Relish to encourage a second visit. Basically it sends a email to commentors thanking them for their comment and inviting them back. Brilliant.
lol, i really like the image you have used in this post; pumping up
Thanks for the wonderful tips dude, i have always followed your blog and came out with a contest: http://www.dentalblogging.com/its-dr-teeths-birthday-get-ready-for-a-b ash/
I’m surprised that you did mention about fake comments, something I guess I wouldn’t have seen anywhere on other blogs. Though I will stay away from such practice, the idea does make sense actually.
Yan
Hi! acomplia
Controversial content, or content that the readership agrees with but has a strong opinion about, is what has worked for People You’ll See In Hell.
I agree completely with all of your methods, comment contests seem to be the fastest way, but also very short term.
This is a very good post. I am trying to rack up more comments too. I have noticed a rise in comments after using some of the methods discussed in this post. I like the idea of contests and havent yet implemented it yet. Will try it out.
If u ask a question towards the end you are more likely to get a comment.
Plus yes the top c wigit helps. One always gets a kick to see ur name on the website of another person.
Not to mention the joys of backlinking.
Questions work extremely well in encouraging comments. If a reader connects with your message, you’re more likely to get a response if you ask for it.
I use the ask questions on my blog at the end of the post and it works great, spurs great discussions! Great blog here, just joined!!
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great outline, key to generating comments. Thanks for the link the Plug in
Good post.I use blog commenting a lot, it´s a fantastic way to build links and traffic to your blog.However, it´s important to post useful and constructive comments.If you post a good comment, people will want to check out your blog to learn more about what you have to say.Do follow, or no follow, it does not matter.
This is such a helpful post. I’m fairly new at blogging (my blog is less than a month old), so I’m still trying to figure out how to get an increase traffic and participation on my blog.
I’m very tempted to host a contest on my blog, but I’m hesitant because when I see OTHER bloggers hosting contests, I think “Hah, what a ploy to get traffic…” I want my blog to get big because of the content. But I suppose if the contest is relevant, it could be a good strategy.
Top Commentators always seems to work well. Thanks for the advice about how to get some more posts. Activity is always a problem with newer blogs. Seems like you helped a lot of people out there!
One more method of increasing comments which is similar to your 8th one but different is to add questions you get via email to your website and then post your answer as a response. My website is a blog, although it’s very customized and doesn’t look like a blog so most people don’t end up reading it one post at a time and don’t see the option to comment.
This means each question you answer can be two comments, their comment and your response. You have to adjust the time so it doesn’t look like you answered it in less than a minute. I use IE for my comments and Firefox for theirs so I don’t have to log in.
Their links are also live if they make two comments, although I don’t include their website for comments I add so they don’t count. But people that know what they’re doing and add relevant comments can very easily get a live link to their website. It hasn’t generated that much spam for us.
Bill Quimby
Strangely “Comment exchange” never came to my mind until I read this post, it sounds good for both link building and making fiends with other bloggers.
Thanx a lot again. I post a lot on other blogs but so far only about half of my blog posts have comments. I want to have comments on all of my posts. Would definitely try these steps to increase comments on my blog.
Keep up the good work.